Sturbridge selectmen butt heads over fire department promotions

STURBRIDGE — Two selectmen said there shouldn't be any promotions in the Fire Department until a permanent fire chief is in place.

Police Chief Thomas J. Ford III has been serving as acting fire chief since April 25. He replaced Chief Leonard E. Senecal, a 35-year veteran of the force, who was placed on paid administrative leave April 22 after a consultant's report critical of his management. Chief Senecal retired May 17.

In a 3-2 vote on June 3, Ms. Blanchard and Ms. Dowling also voted against appointing Edward G. Bourassa as a temporary deputy fire chief. Mr. Bourassa resigned Tuesday, saying in his resignation letter that he refuses to be part of "further destroying the morale, firefighters' confidence and departmental readiness any more."

"I was against the temporary deputy fire chief. Nothing personal, because I wanted an active fire chief. And I continue to feel that way," Ms. Dowling said. "We're a month or two away from having a fire chief and I'm grappling with why we are making appointments now rather than getting some input from our next permanent fire chief."

In a 4-1 vote Monday night, Christopher D. Adams of Brimfield was appointed firefighter/EMT-paramedic, effective Nov. 12. Ms. Blanchard was the sole selectman against the appointment. However, Ms. Dowling indicated she voted in favor because another firefighter's resignation was also in front of the board.

"I firmly believe that a leader wants to come into his department and have some say about command structure and administrative structure," Ms. Dowling said. "What kind of leader wants to come in and be handed a complete chain?"

Although he has said a new fire chief will be appointed by Dec. 1, Town Administrator Shaun A. Suhoski said the town doesn't know if the new fire chief is going to be in place next week, next month or a couple of months from now and Sturbridge can't stay stagnant.